Brandon has been covering travel for more than a decade, reporting on everything from smalltown jaunts to jetset getaways on far-flung islands. On the road 50 weeks each year, he knows what products make travel better, and has been reviewing travel gear regularly for years.
As a professional travel writer, I fly an average of 120 times every year. I've been doing this for almost eight years straight and at some point my body let me know it was over it. But my heart wasn't, so I kept going. Luckily, my partner is an ER nurse and solved my body's number one complaints -- sore legs and aching ankles -- with an easy and inexpensive fix: the PhysFlex Compression Socks.
On a recent flight to Utah, the passenger next to me spotted my socks (yes, I take my shoes off on planes), and said they tried compression socks but found them uncomfortable. I explained my PhysFlex socks are both breathable and moisture-wicking, so my feet stay cool and dry while the compression improves circulation and keeps my ankles from swelling and aching. During this particular trip, I also wore them during my long day of UTV rides and hiking, and my legs still felt great the next day. I stayed in touch with my seatmate, and after hearing me rave about my socks, they use them now, too.
PhysFlex Unisex Compression Socks are made from a nylon and spandex blend that's lightweight and soft, so I actually enjoy wearing them. They're machine washable and durable -- though I replace mine every six months because I use them a lot. If you're just going to use these for random flights here and there, they'll last for years with proper care. My favorite feature is the nonslip cuff that keeps the socks snug around my embarrassingly small calves without slipping down my leg, and even this lasts as long as the rest of the sock.
Ideal for travel, PhysFlex Unisex Compression Socks are black with minimal gray (or colored) accents on the toe, heel, and lower calf. They're available in three sizes that cover most adult feet: small/medium, large/extra-large, and 2XL. One shopper noted to "pay attention to the calf measuring guide, it will guarantee a perfect fit," and I couldn't agree more. If you're truly on the border of one of these sizes, though, size up. Compression socks are tight by nature, so give yourself some more leeway to get them on.
PhysFlex Unisex Compression Socks have raked in hundreds of five-star ratings on Amazon and are an Amazon best-seller in medical compression socks. In addition to wearing them during a flight, one reviewer noted that they work "on long car rides, too, with equal success." And if you think your upcoming flight might be too long for these socks, think again. One customer wore them on a 16-hour, long-haul flight (among the world's longest flights) and was happy to report "the socks worked great." They're designed for all-day use, even during constant athletic activity, so a seated flight is no match for PhysFlex.
They're nurse-approved, too, and not just by my helpful partner. "I'm a nurse and must stand a lot," said one compression sock convert, before adding that "these help significantly" for their otherwise sore legs. Another nurse, who mentioned having multiple ankle surgeries and a total ankle replacement, found them so comfortable that they forgot they had them on for a full 12-hour shift. They noted that "other stockings usually become painful because my leg and ankle swell so much, but these still felt wonderful!"
If you sit or stand for long periods, compression socks can help make your days more bearable. But they're especially helpful to travelers who take to the skies, where swelling is more common and the risk of blood clots increases. Compression socks are designed to reduce the risk of both, and PhysFlex Unisex Compression Socks do it with comfort and a modest style that make them so much more universally appealing for everyday use than the medical garments of the past. And for just $5 (yes, they are up to 40 percent off right now for a limited time), they're totally worth the investment in your health and comfort.
If you prefer to shop around and try out a few styles before fully stocking your sock drawer or your suitcase, consider these other top-rated, Amazon shopper-loved compression socks.
At the time of publishing, the price started at $5.